To the Editor:
Many of you are probably wondering what is going on with the Earlville American Legion building.
One of our comrades, who happened to have been the legion’s Home Association President has passed away. He has been the main one, the only one who has been instrumental in working with the real estate agency, Countryside Reality in trying to sell our building. For the time being, after some consideration, we had put the sale or rental of the building and land on hold. As a last resort we can put it back on the market. Perhaps at a lower price than what we are asking?
What seemed promising was that recently we had been approached by an American Legion Bike Rider, who might be interested in establishing an American Legion Bike Riders organization at our Post. At this time it is not definite that this will happen. A great deal as to what as a legion we can do will depend on the number of active members, hopefully some younger ones. At the moment we have only a handful.
We had just enough money in our Post’s Home Association to purchase liability insurance for this year. This has considerably depleted the money in our account. We will need to plan activities this year to bring in money. One thing we discussed was possibly to have occasional auctions.
Our legion has at least this year to have something good happen. With the liability once more on our insurance we need to make things happen. We need volunteers as well as money to put into the building. It has huge physical problems. Perhaps I am too much of an optimist?
It would be a shame to lose our building that has meant so much to many of the people living in and outside the village since 1946. Over all, the organization cannot go back to the old ways; we must take hold of the present and yes, perhaps do new things.
If you are wondering if this is an attempt to solicit money, the answer is yes. We are going to need seek money to make money. If there is anyone out there who has a little extra money, please send it to the Earlville American Legion, PO Box 741, Earlville NY 13332. We need checks for putting on events as well as funds for our building.
In conclusion I would like to mention that I have lit a candle to St. Jude.
Brad Phillips, Post 236 Commander
I was looking for a facility to host an event in the northern Chenango southern Madison County area. Being a life member of the American Legion imagine my surprise to find this letter when I couldn’t contact the Post in Earlville. With all the Veterans that need help & all the things a Legion post does in most communities I find it hard to believe no one from the American Legion County, District, Department or local community, has stepped in to help rectify this situation.